Lymphosarcoma in Doodles

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

So awfully difficult to write about -- I've not been on the site in ages; things had been going so well with our 3 1/2 yr old chocolate mini-Australian labradoodle. His pictures don't even do him justice. We get stopped every time we go out with him; he is just so adorable and sweet natured. But we were shocked and devastated to learn last week of his diagnosis - I can even feel his enlarged lymph nodes I'm waiting for a call back from a recommended oncologist tomorrow; even had a homeopath friend check with some of her colleagues here and all advised the same. Have to wonder if/what others have experienced. I want to give Bosco a fighting chance IF it's reasonable to do so. I read of one other Labradoodle who went through chemo and the results - which I know is not curative, only palliative. Our hearts are just breaking. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Sending good wishes for Bosco's cell count to come up

[F, Calla & Luca]

Bosco looks well and I hope his counts rise soon so he can finish treatment.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

You are a trooper, Susan!  Bosco is as handsome as ever and looks happy.  Sorry his counts are down, hoping that turns around for you guys and he can finish his treatment so you both can get on with a happy life!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Thinking of you and sending prayers to you all. You're doing well sweet boy, keep it up! Hugs

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Sorry to hear about the low white cell count.  But ya what?   .#'s aren't everything!!!!! Almost 25 yrs ago, Experts in the Field, told us my husband had less than 6 months to live.  He continues to thrive this very day.  His counts are horrific...platelets at 16, 000 last CBC.....and he has been as low as 8,000.  He takes no medication whats so ever!  But by the Grace of God, he lives a very normal life.  His body has learned to deal with what it has been dealt.  ((HUGS)) to both you and Bosco , with hopes you both continue to stay strong.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

I LOVE hearing those kinds of stories -- so inspiring! Wonderful to hear of your husband's miracle, Ro. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Thank you Susan. Not sure if can be considered a miracle, but he sure has Drs. across the country stumped and has been the topic of many a Study and round table.
Hoping Bosco does as well.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Certainly "defying the odds" and that's good in my book! Case round presentations are make for medical wonders and help remind Experts in the Field to continue to monitor and measure their words carefully.

[BG and Gavin]

Hugs to you and Bosco.

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

Thank you for sharing...these words are so inspiring and true. I count mine every single day. Hugs to Bosco and to you and your family.  He is such a sweetie.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Susan, I'm so sorry you are having to go through this, but both you and little Bosco are an inspiration to us all to live each day to the max.  Sending positive thoughts and hoping his cell count comes up real soon.  

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Warning: Double Tissue worthy post

The end has sadly come in a most unforeseen, unanticipated and devastating way for us. But I truly feel Bosco chose his way to leave us...for he did leave us....on Thanksgiving night in Tucson, the place of his birth and where I'd intended to return him after his time had come.  I will spare the details of our heartache other than saying that nature seems to have a way of providing a path for our dogs when they know their own time has come, for this night was 6 weeks to the day that Bosco had been diagnosed, the maximum amount of time all three vets who had treated him said he would have if we'd opted not to administer the chemo.  It was our choice to go the chemo route - perhaps it was not our Bosco's.  I remember thinking it the night in the hotel room, where we had left him securely locked when we went to have our Thanksgiving dinner, as I had tried unsuccessfully to remove the bandage from his hind leg and he stood so patiently in my futile attempts to remove it. 

As I look back now on that fateful evening and the week that ensued, it was one filled with synchronicities - ones that have helped ease the pain, sorrow and void we feel in our hearts, home and lives - as they have provided hope and promise -- and most of all to the path of a puppy, one that happened to have led us back, one week to the night after Bosco left, to one born in Tucson - and when I finally inquired several days later as to when the litter arrived, I learned it was on Thanksgiving night, between 8-12, the very time Bosco chose --- and I do believe it was his choice -- to leave us.  The anniversary of Thanksgiving will no longer fill me with dread and sorrow as I had feared it would in coming years, but now - be a source of bittersweet memories, birth, and a confirmation that there is a greater plan in this world far too vast for me to comprehend. 

Our new puppy will be named Cobey; in honor of our valiant and much beloved dogs who proceeded her, who will always remain in our hearts - Bosco and Casey. 

Rest in peace, as you were found....my treasured Bosco.

“What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes part of us.”  Helen Keller